Thesis proposal – Innovative Solutions for Machine Modifications and Lifting Bricks

Engineers Without Borders Sweden is a volunteer based and value driven organization Engineering for Humanity. For over 15 years, we have been driven by a single goal: build a sustainable future for communities around the world. With sustainability and long-term thinking as guidance, we mobilize our engineering expertise to provide innovative solutions empowering communities today and ensure their resilience tomorrow.

Background

EWB is partner of Build up Nepal (BUN), that was established following the 2015 earthquake in Kathmandu. BUN focuses on promoting compressed bricks made from a mixture of stone dust or soil, cement, and water. These bricks are produced using machines provided to small enterprises. Since its inception, BUN has supported over 300 small companies, contributing to the construction of more than 10,000 houses across Nepal. Their efforts have significantly reduced carbon emissions by 100,000 tonnes and created over 2,000 full-time jobs, with women making up a quarter of the workforce. Interlocking bricks, designed like LEGO blocks, are BUN's main product. These bricks are not only easy to assemble but are also earthquake-resistant, making them particularly suitable for construction in earthquake-prone regions like Nepal. Some illustrations:

Video from YouTube for further background. 

About the position

Build Up Nepal currently offers three types of machines for brick production: a manual single-mold machine, a manual double-mold machine, and an electric hydraulic machine.

Research 1: Optimizing the Modified Double Mold Machine
The manual double-mold machine, despite offering lower compression compared to other models, remains the most preferred option. Previous modifications, carried out by a mechanical engineer volunteering from EWB, have led to significant improvements in its performance. However, further optimization is still needed to ensure smooth operation, with a focus on enhancing durability and ease of repair. The goal is to refine the
machine’s design to ensure long-term reliability, efficient operation, and suitability for mass production.

Research 2: Developing a Brick Lifting Mechanism
At present, all brick production machines require manual lifting of the bricks after they are produced, followed by placement on plywood to set for 24 hours. This process is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and requires meticulous care. The objective is to design an innovative mechanical solution to automate or simplify this lifting process, making it adaptable for all existing machines. The solution should be practical, cost-effective, and easily implementable in the field.

Conditions:

The scope can be adapted to be either a Master or a Bachelor thesis with one or two students.

Start: Spring 2025. Apply latest October 2024

Location: The work should preferably be done at BUN in Kathmandu.

Questions?

We are reviewing applications continuously. For further information or questions please contact: Ashish Maharjan who is based at BUN in Nepal.

Contact can be taken with Linn Bogren who finished a study on brick strength optimisation based on water content and compression in 2024. Also take part of her Travel dairy.

You can also contact Henrik Gustavsson project manager for EWB - BUN cooperation and Raine Isaksson Associate professor in Quality Management and EWB member working actively with BUN.

We look forward to your application!

Engineers Without Borders Sweden is promoting equality and inclusivity. We are strengthened by our differences. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for the position, regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Selected applicants are expected to register as members to act as an EWB-SWE´s volunteer.